If you’ve been dreaming about your wedding for your entire life (or even just for the last year or so), chances are that at least a few of those dreams have included a very specific setting. But whether you’re instinctively drawn to the rustic ambiance of a ranch wedding or have a more traditional ballroom affair in mind, there are a few essential questions every couple should consider before booking a venue for the Big Day. Ask yourself these five questions to ensure that your wedding venue is a perfect fit, then prepare to ink those final contracts with confidence!

Question One: “Indoor or outdoor?”

Consider this basic question your starting point when identifying potential wedding and reception venues. Answering it from the get-go will automatically simplify your search!

When it’s time to start narrowing down your options, think about your personal style. Are you drawn to modern and contemporary looks with a preference for clean lines? Consider booking a museum for your ceremony or reception—The Modern in Fort Worth, The Nasher, and the Dallas Museum of Art are all beautiful options that don’t necessarily require a lot of extra table décor.

If questions one and two have helped you determine that an outdoor wedding in a setting that is not typically used as an event space—this includes a ranch, field, or even your own backyard—is for you, keep in mind that you will most likely need to bring in absolutely everything from the ground up. We’re talking tables, chairs, linens, and back-of-house catering rentals, plus a trucking service, a generator, a dance floor, and a valet company just to name a few. You will also need to secure an air-conditioned tent in case of rain or extreme temperatures on your wedding day. Don’t let that scare you, though. If you’re open to the idea of managing these additional details or have hired an event planner to help manage them for you, this can be an extremely rewarding way to build a completely unique event space!

By contrast, country clubs, ballrooms, and other traditional event venues maintain a supply of house linens, house chairs, tables, and in-house catering rentals, and will also provide your catering services. While this option will probably save you some time, it won’t always save you money—especially if you’re planning to outfit the space with custom décor, which will require sourcing outside vendors.

If you’re planning to have a live band at your ceremony or reception, ensure that your venue has the necessary power and circuits. A back-up generator will be required if your power needs exceed your venue’s capability or if you’re planning an outdoor wedding. And don’t forget to inquire about lighting! Some venues keep their lighting on dimmers, which provides a built-in transition from dinner to the dance floor, whereas other spaces might benefit from an additional lighting package.

Load-in and strike times are of major importance for your vendors, so make sure to ask your potential venue what time set-up can begin on the day of your wedding. Dedicated event spaces will typically allow set-up to begin early in the day, but locations that primarily function as public spaces—think art galleries and restaurants—might restrict set-up to after the five o’clock hour. If you choose a venue with this kind of time constraint, be prepared to pay an additional fee to cover the cost of the extra laborers it will take to prep your event space in a shortened time frame.

The bottom line? Spend some time thinking about the look and feel of your wedding as a whole, and then choose the venue and vendors that are best equipped to bring that vision to life!

In need of even more inspiration? Stop by our “Venues” board on Pinterest, and don’t miss our feature “From the Ground Up: How to Create an Event Space for Your Wedding Day” in the Winter 2018 issue of Inside Weddings.

When planning a destination wedding or event, one of the most important things to establish is a sense of place. This can be accomplished by creating welcome gifts filled with local goods and products, developing a custom map that highlights your favorite area attractions, and—perhaps most importantly—incorporating event details that uniquely represent your chosen destination. Jaclyn and Blake’s wedding at The Four Seasons Santa Fe perfectly embodied this idea in every way as you’ll see in the images below!

Between the incredible display of cactus escort cards, minimalist geometric dance floor, bridesmaid gowns in varying shades of teal, and one-of-a-kind “love rock” cross that made an appearance at both the rehearsal dinner and ceremony, it’s impossible for us to choose a favorite detail. And can you believe that the flower and candle filled “chapel” where these two exchanged vows was actually the Four Seasons’ completely transformed Terra restaurant? Keep scrolling to see all of the southwestern touches, and be sure to stop by the couple’s full-length feature on Wedding Chicks!

Although they began their relationship in Dallas and got engaged in Charleston, there was only one location in the world Jourdan and Logan could imagine getting married: Harbour Island in the Bahamas, where Jourdan’s family had been boating for over 30 years!

“Many years now we’ve been coming to this special island and we’ve made a lot of friends that feel like family. There’s a little pink church on the island, and every time we used to pass it in the golf cart Jourdan would say, ‘One of these days that’s where I’d like to get married,'” shares Ed Pratt, father of the bride. “That’s how the family came to choose Harbour Island for the wedding, and Jourdan and Logan did indeed end up getting married in that little pink church!”

A color scheme of navy and rose gold was selected as a reference to Harbour Island’s iconic pink sand beaches and beautiful blue water, and was incorporated in details ranging from the invitation suite to the navy welcome tent on the dock where guests arrived by water taxi from nearby Eleuthera. Upon arrival guests were given branded welcome bags that included a golf cart key chain with a matching valet sticker—Jourdan and Logan’s wedding logo was on one side, while the other side featured a unique color and number combination to help guests find their golf cart throughout the weekend!

Pre-wedding events included a Thursday night welcome party at Romora Bay with an appearance by a traditional Bahamian Junkanoo band, a lovely beachside brunch for the bridal party, and a toast-filled rehearsal dinner at Coral Sands Hotel.

After exchanging vows, the newlyweds joined their guests for a tented beach reception at the Ocean View Club. As a personal touch, the couple’s logo was again featured on details ranging from a navy and rose gold menu to luxe custom throw pillows. Inspired by the family’s love for the Bahamian crest, the logo was designed by the mother of the bride and featured Jourdan and Logan’s initials along with three iconic Harbour Island motifs: conch shells, a rooster, and a palm tree. Jourdan, who is an interior designer, also custom-designed stunning orb chandeliers for the reception tent that were paired with flowers and candles. We love that the couple plans to hang them in their backyard when hosting parties!

From the vibrant welcome party to the couple’s one-of-a-kind send-off, we loved every minute of planning this destination wedding weekend in the Bahamas! For even more “I do” details, be sure to take a look at the couple’s Inside Weddings feature!

In the fall of 2015, multiple members of our team jet-set to the pink sands of Harbour Island in the Bahamas to coordinate a destination wedding weekend that you’ll be hearing more about in the very near future! While on-location, we were reminded of another favorite Bahamas event from the not-so-distant past: Susan and Josh’s wedding at The One and Only Ocean Club. If you’re in a“spring break” state of mind today, get ready for a mini (virtual) vacation—we’re finally sharing all of the details from their intimate destination “I do!”

Susan and Josh’s guests were invited to set their watches to “island time” from the moment they stepped off the plane for this Bahamian wedding weekend. From sipping cocktails poolside to enjoying a stunning open-air welcome party accented by the music of steel drums, each moment was packed with a tropical punch of relaxation and renewal!

Following a lovely ceremony set against the backdrop of palm trees and ocean breezes, guests enjoyed light bites and sips of bubbly during a cocktail hour by the resort’s lily pond.

The couple’s reception featured a simple yet refined decorative atmosphere—think soft candlelight, modern light fixtures, and watercolor-washed signage—that complemented the natural beauty of the surroundings. A buffet dinner under the pool terrace followed the cocktail hour, as did dancing, cake-cutting, and an after party that kept the celebration going into the early hours of the morning. Susan changed from her wedding gown into a stunning sheath dress just for the occasion, and guests jumped on the opportunity to toast the newlyweds one more time before heading back to the pool for a late-night swim.

We are always thrilled when we get the chance to return to The Bahamas to coordinate an event, as we consider the group of islands to be a top destination for a laid-back yet luxury affair guests won’t soon forget! On that note, if you’ve decided that a Bahamian wedding sounds like your cup of tea, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. In the Bahamas you must be married between sunrise and sunset. Unusual but true, so be sure to schedule your ceremony accordingly!

2.ABahamian minister must officiate your ceremony. While your own pastor is allowed to assist in conducting the ceremony, a local minister must sign all legal documents and make the official “husband and wife” pronouncement. If you do plan on asking an ordained minister to join you from home, be sure to notify your wedding planner well in advance so that the two of you can coordinate every last detail to perfection.

3. When building your wedding welcome gifts,we recommend sourcing as many items as possible from your destination – it’s a great way to add local flavor to your gifts and save on shipping costs, too. Susan and Josh provided beach totes loaded with local island favorites including plantain chips and Bahamian beer, a huge hit with their guests!

For more tips and tricks about planning a wedding in the Bahamas (or anywhere else, for that matter), be sure to read Mary-Frances’ article for Inside Weddings:16 Secrets to an Effortless Destination Wedding. Looking for more information about bringing DFW Events aboard to making your destination wedding vision a reality? Stop by our Destinationsgallery for a little location inspiration, and then be sure to Get in Touch.We’d love nothing more than to pack up our bags and travel with you to make dreams come true!

Right before the launch of our new website, Mary-Frances and Alison had the opportunity to visit The Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa in beautiful Riviera Maya, Mexico. We’re still raving about the incredible sights they encountered on their Fam trip, so we’re thrilled to finally share their top takeaways with you!

photo courtesy of the Belmond Maroma

Situated on the fabulous Yucatán peninsula, the Belmond Maroma packs all of the amenities one could hope for in a potential destination event location—think bleached sand, warm turquoise water, chartered yachts and sailboats, ecological discovery tours, and more. The best news? It’s all just a 30-minute drive away from Cancún International Airport and just as convenient to the ancient Mayan historical sites and captivating cenotes that make the region so unique. Thanks to the fact that the resort is surrounded by 25 acres of protected jungle, a stay at the Belmond Maroma gives guests the sense of discovering a tucked-away jewel—the perfect environment for a wedding or special event!

photos courtesy of the Belmond Maroma

During their stay at the Belmond Maroma, MF and Ali enjoyed activities ranging from ceviche and tequila tastings on the beach to stopping by a traditional Temazcal, or sweat lodge, with an ocean view. Meeting new friends including the resort’s Executive Chef and tortilla maker was another highlight of the experience! MF and Ali loved having the option to add fresh cocoa, guacamole, or cheese to their homemade tortillas each day. Finally, Freddie’s Tequila and Ceviche Bar—and the Maroma Margarita made with top secret ingredients—is not to be missed. “I’ve never been to a beachfront as beautiful as Maroma!” said MF. “The entire experience is over the top in the best way possible. You won’t find a more well-appointed resort!”

see more of DFW Events around the globe: @dfwevents on Instagram, #DFWDestination

At DFW Events we’re doing more weddings in Mexico than ever before, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about it! Engaged couples are continuing to rediscover all that the Caribbean has to offer for a destination wedding, which is great news for their guests. Travel to and from Mexico is easy to book and coordinate—one of our many secrets to planning an effortless destination wedding!The Belmond Maroma is also perfect for a milestone occasion—say, an unforgettable fiftieth birthday partyor honeymoon—so keep your options open!

If you’re interested in exploring the Belmond Maroma or other venues in Mexico for your wedding or special event, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We’d love nothing more than to put our heads together and dream about every last detail of your destination “I do.”

Although Rachel and Andrew went to the same middle school, years of homework, high school dances, and college acceptance letters went by before Rachel moved back to Dallas for graduate school and was officially introduced to her husband-to-be. “When Andrew asked my dad if he could marry me, my dad promptly told me! Oops!” Rachel laughs. “He tried to make it a surprise though, and had my ring sent to my parents’ house.”

Despite the minor glitch, the couple began making plans to get hitched at Twin Farms in Barnard, Vermont, a destination that perfectly matched Rachel’s vision for an outdoor wedding with class. “We had never even been to Vermont before we chose Twin Farms!” Rachel says. “It just looked too good to be true, and it really was.”

With a goal to represent both Rachel and Andrew’s personalities in the wedding colors and environment of the event, Jasper and Prudence created bouquets and aisle accents in a palette of cream and dusty pink—a perfect accent to the natural beauty of the venue. The bride complemented her sparkling Brides by Demetrios gown with two separate pairs of shoes—Hunter boots and pale pink pumps covered in crystals—and her bridesmaids were well-heeled in matching Louboutins.

The beautiful destination wedding was an intimate affair for the couple’s 40 guests, and didn’t lack a sense of home thanks to a special musical performance by Rachel’s brother during the ceremony, a Texas-shaped bouquet holder at the reception, and two very special mementos. “Andrew took me to PF Changs as an impromptu first date,” explains Rachel. “We got a fortune that said, ‘An unexpected relationship will become permanent.’ We kept it and I framed it for the wedding day. Right before Andrew and I got engaged, Andrew’s dad got a fortune that said, ‘Wedding bells are in your family’s future.’ We framed that one too!”

One month after saying “goodbye” to Vermont, the couple’s celebration continued in Dallas with a large reception for 200 guests held at Arlington Hall. Featuring music by The Project, delicious snack foods, and stunning floral arrangements by Bella Flora of Dallas, Rachel and Andrew’s wedding is proof: you don’t have to pick between an at-home affair and a destination “I do!”

Julie and Bart first met on a double date with Bart’s cousin and his wife at an Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game, a set-up that turned out to be a slam dunk. What began courtside soon turned into a courtship—one that was made official when Bart proposed to Julie during her fourth year of medical school. “He proposed at my house in Tulsa,” says Julie. “After the proposal, we celebrated with my parents and his parents who had driven in town and surprised me. My best friend had also flown in from Houston for the weekend.”

After saying “yes” to Bart’s proposal, Julie turned to DFW Events to help coordinate the details of her wedding day. SelectingSouthern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma was an easy choice for the bride, who grew up playing tennis and swimming at Southern Hills. “It is one of the most beautiful locations in Tulsa as it has an incredible golf course and view of downtown Tulsa. I knew I wanted our ceremony to be outside and the reception to be in a tent, and we were able to do both at Southern Hills,” says Julie.

A blend of southern-chic sensibilities and an air of rustic romance inspired Julie’s vision for her outdoor ceremony on the West 9, which featured white folding chairs, a custom stage built by Stage Works, and a stunning archway of greenery and white florals created by Jackson Durham. 300 guests looked on as Julie walked down the lantern-lined aisle, a vision in her mermaid style Vera Wang gown and chapel length veil.

Carted away (literally) from the ceremony by a golf cart adorned with flowers, Julie and Bart rejoined their guests for an elegant sit-down dinner accented by crystals, creamy-white floral runners, and place cards set in real pears coated in gold leafing. But Julie’s favorite decorative detail? “For the reception, we had our old Glamour Shots photos blown up and hung on the men’s and women’s restrooms—yes, Bart had a Glamour Shot when he was younger,” she laughs.

After enjoying an elevated southern dinner menu that included barbeque chicken breast with white peach relish and jalapeño cornbread with honey butter, guests were invited into another custom party tent modeled after the Boom Boom Room in New York City. The combination of a starry ceiling, glittering gold chandelier, and the couple’s first dance to “Amazed” performed live by Boyz II Men created a festive and fun atmosphere, ensuring that the dance floor stayed full into the early hours of the morning.

Ashley and Jay’s April wedding was breathtakingly gorgeous! While the couple currently live in Texas, they chose a sentimental setting for their Big Day: Jay grew up vacationing with his family at Tom Garden Resort (now known as Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa,) where his family owned a casita. So it was a wonderful and very special choice for Ashley and Jay to marry in Paradise Valley, at a spot that holds so many special memories, especially in spring when the weather is marvelous.

We loved working with Ashley, Jay and their families to plan amazing wedding weekend events and perfect touches for their special celebration.

{Our thanks go out to the lovely Jennifer Bowen for sharing these magnificent and breathtaking images of Ashley and Jay’s dream wedding day!}

Ashley and Jay welcomed their guests with a Thursday night party at the Acadia Room. It was the Wilson and Szor families’ great wish to ensure their guests had the time of their lives, since so many of the couples’ loved ones traveled from great distances to share in the couple’s wedding weekend in Phoenix.

On Friday night, the rehearsal dinner held at El Chorro featured spectacular special touches, like the escort card display with tangerines, as well as the fun element of pinatas of the bride and groom.

Jay’s family are in the jewelry business and Jay helped designed the rings.

On the wedding day, a fabulous lunch was served at the pool.

This beautiful Chuppah designed by Jackson Durham Floral added such a glamorous, lush and lovely element to the couple’s wedding ceremony.

One of the grandmothers was unable to attend the wedding due to her health, but thanks to modern technology and Facetime, she was able to watch and be a part of the wedding festivities.

After sunset photos were taken, the bridal party joined the guests at the cocktail reception and party, finding their places at this gorgeous place card table.

Just look at this amazing rose petal wall!

Ashley’s cake was designed to match her Carolina Herrera gown!

The guests were wowed by the delectable sweets on the cake cart, as well as the groom’s cake.

Further treating their wedding guests with extra loving care, Ashley and Jay had LGO English muffins and mini jams sent to the guests’ rooms!

Here are some of our favorite images of the wedding day details that made Ashley and Jay’s wedding celebration so spectacular:

In May of 2010, DFW Events packed up and headed to Flat Top Ranch, the family ranch of groom Charlie Beecherl, to coordinate the wedding uniting him and his bride, Mackenzie Short! Flat Top Ranch is located in Glen Rose, Texas right next door to Rough Creek Lodge. It was an absolutely beautiful day – perfect sunshine with a bit of wind – and the most gorgeous setting for this FUN wedding! Mackenzie and Charlie met at TCU – their wedding party was so much fun and it was a blast for DFW Events to be a part of. The ceremony took place at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and the reception brought guests to Flat Top for a perfect night of dinner and dancing! Enjoy these pictures courtesy of Brandi Koch with Dakota Photography.

Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Beecherl, back at the ranch! Check out Mackenzie’s boots—perfect for this ranch wedding and adorned with her new monogram!

After a long night of dancing we sent the newlyweds off with a sparkler exit, and they set out for their honeymoon in Mexico! Congrats, Mackenzie and Charlie—we had such a blast being a part of your wedding and hope that you enjoyed every bit of your day! We wish you the very best!